Turnbull injured in stable accident

A member of the famous Turnbull harness racing clan has been hospitalized after a nasty accident at his Tatura property.

Craig Turnbull, who has been enjoying recent success with his team on country Victorian tracks, was seriously hurt after being kicked several times by a young horse.

It is believed he had just finished working one of his stable team and was coming off the track toward a youngster that was tied up at a rail. After getting out of the sulky, the nearby horse started bucking and kicking out.

Turnbull was rushed to Shepparton Hospital before being transferred to Melbourne where he remains in intensive care with a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and several fractures.

His recovery is expected to include several weeks of treatment and rehab in hospital, before several months of rest and ongoing medical care.

Turnbull, his wife Rebecca Cartwright and daughter Abbey have been enjoying a successful season.

Black gelding La Player (Shadow Play USA - La Pucelle (Village Jasper USA) has had a purple patch in recent months with four wins and two runner-up prizes in his past six starts. His victories were at Gunbower, Boort, Cobram and Echuca.

Concession junior driver Abbey, who landed her first winner at Shepparton in September 2017, has shown fine touch this season with 11 wins so far.

All harness racing participants wish Craig well in his recovery process, while thoughts are with Rebecca, Abbey and other family members.